Exploration of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for trauma-related acute kidney injury.

PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common functional injuries observed in trauma patients. However, certain trauma medications may exacerbate renal injury. Therefore, the early detection of trauma-related AKI holds paramount importance in improving trauma prognosis. METHODS: Qualified datasets were selected from public databases, and common differentially expressed genes related to trauma-induced AKI and hub genes were identified through enrichment analysis and the establishment of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Additionally, the specificity of these hub genes was investigated using the sepsis dataset and conducted a comprehensive literature review to assess their plausibility. The raw data from both datasets were downloaded using R software (version 4.2.1) and processed with the "affy" package19 for correction and normalization. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed 585 upregulated and 629 downregulated differentially expressed genes in the AKI dataset, along with 586 upregulated and 948 downregulated differentially expressed genes in the trauma dataset. Concurrently, the establishment of the PPI network and subsequent topological analysis highlighted key hub genes, including CD44, CD163, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1, cytochrome b-245 beta chain, versican, membrane spanning 4-domains A4A, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14, and early growth response 1. Notably, their receiver operating characteristic curves displayed areas exceeding 75%, indicating good diagnostic performance. Moreover, our findings postulated a unique molecular mechanism underlying trauma-related AKI. CONCLUSION: This study presents an alternative strategy for the early diagnosis and treatment of trauma-related AKI, based on the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Additionally, this study provides theoretical references for elucidating the mechanisms of trauma-related AKI.

Customized Heteronuclear Dual Single-Atom and Cluster Assemblies via D-Band Orchestration for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Advanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, integrating with well-dispersed single atom (SA) and atomic cluster (AC) sites, showcase potential in bolstering catalytic activity. However, the precise structural modulation and in-depth investigation of their catalytic mechanisms pose ongoing challenges. Herein, a proactive cluster lockdown strategy is introduced, relying on the confinement of trinuclear clusters with metal atom exchange in the covalent organic polymers, enabling the targeted synthesis of a series of multicomponent ensembles featuring FeCo (Fe or Co) dual-single-atom (DSA) and atomic cluster (AC) configurations (FeCo-DSA/AC) via thermal pyrolysis. The designed FeCo-DSA/AC surpasses Fe- and Co-derived counterparts by 18 mV and 49 mV in ORR half-wave potential, whilst exhibiting exemplary performance in Zn-air batteries. Comprehensive analysis and theoretical simulation elucidate the enhanced activity stems from adeptly orchestrating dz 2-dxz and O 2p orbital hybridization proximate to the Fermi level, fine-tuning the antibonding states to expedite OH* desorption and OOH* formation, thereby augmenting catalytic activity. This work elucidates the synergistic potentiation of active sites in hybrid electrocatalysts, pioneering innovative targeted design strategies for single-atom-cluster electrocatalysts.

Synthesis of indano[60]fullerene thioketone and its application in organic solar cells.

Evaporable indano[60]fullerene ketone (FIDO) was converted to indano[60]fullerene thioketone (FIDS) in high yield by using Lawesson's reagent. Three compounds with different substituents in para position were successfully converted to the corresponding thioketones, showing that the reaction tolerates compounds with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents. Computational studies with density functional theory revealed the unique vibrations of the thioketone group in FIDS. The molecular structure of FIDS was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells using three evaporable fullerene derivatives (FIDO, FIDS, C60) as electron-acceptors were compared, and the open-circuit voltage with FIDS was 0.16 V higher than that with C60.

Evaporable Fullerene Indanones with Controlled Amorphous Morphology as Electron Transport Layers for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

Fullerenes are among the most commonly used electron-transporting materials (ETMs) in inverted perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). Although versatile functionalized fullerene derivatives have shown excellent performance in IPSCs, pristine [60]fullerene (C60) is still the most widely used in devices mainly because of its uniform morphology by thermal deposition. However, thermally evaporable fullerene derivatives have not yet been achieved. Herein, we developed a series of evaporable fullerene derivatives, referred to as fullerene indanones (FIDOs), affording IPSCs with high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term storage stability. The FIDOs were designed with a unique architecture in which the fullerene moiety and a benzene ring moiety are linked via a five-membered carbon ring in benzene ring plane. This molecular arrangement affords exceptional thermal stability, allowing the FIDOs to withstand harsh thermal deposition conditions. Moreover, by manipulating the steric bulk of the functional groups, we could control the state of the organic film from crystalline to amorphous. Subsequently, we used FIDOs as an electron transport layer (ETL) in IPSCs. Thanks to the suitable energy level and dual-passivation effect of FIDOs compared with a reference ETL using C60, the device using FIDOs achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.16 V and a fill factor of 0.77. As a result, the PCE reached 22.11%, which is superior to 20.45% of the best-performing reference device. Most importantly, the FIDO-based IPSC devices exhibited exceptional stability in comparison to the reference device due to the stability of the amorphous ETL films.

The collaborative monitored natural attenuation (CMNA) of soil and groundwater pollution in large petrochemical enterprises: A case study.

A large in-service petrochemical enterprises in Northeast China was taken as the research object, and the Collaborative Monitored Natural Attenuation (CMNA) for soil and groundwater pollution was carried out to remedy combined pollution and reduce environmental risks. The pollutants distributions were obtained based on detailed regional investigation (Mar. 2019), and feature pollutants in soil and groundwater were then screened. The spatiotemporal variations of feature pollutants and relative microbial responses were explored during the CMNA process. Furthermore, the CMNA efficiency of the contaminated site at initial stage was evaluated by calculation of natural attenuation rate constant. The results showed that the feature pollutants in soil were 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (2,2',5,5'-TCB) and petroleum hydrocarbons (C10∼C40), and the feature pollutant in groundwater was 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA). The concentrations of all feature pollutants decreased continuously during four years of monitoring. Feature pollutants played a dominant role in the variability of microbial species both in soil and groundwater, increasing the relative abundance of petroleum tolerant/biodegradation bacteria, such as Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota. The average natural attenuation rate constant of 2,2',5,5'-TCB and C10∼C40 in soil was 0.0012 d-1 and 0.0010 d-1, respectively, meeting the screening value after four years' attenuation. The average natural attenuation rate constant of 1,2-DCA was 0.0004 d-1, which need strengthening measures to improve the attenuation efficiency.

Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids from Valeriana hardwickii and their cytotoxicity.

Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, named 4α,5α-epoxy-8ß-hydroxy-1α-hydro-α-guaiene (1) and 4α,5α-epoxy-1-hydroxy-α-guaiene (2), were isolated from the whole plants of Valeriana hardwickii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 showed weak cytotoxicity against the lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and hepatoma (Bel7402) cell lines with IC50 values of 9.2 and 8.5 µM, respectively.

Synthesis of bifunctional molecules containing [12]aneN3 and coumarin moieties as effective DNA condensation agents and new non-viral gene vectors.

A series of bifunctional molecules with different combinations of macrocyclic polyamine [12]aneN3 and coumarin moieties, 4a/b and 5a/b, were synthesized by a two-step copper(I)-mediated alkyne­azide click reactions between 1,3,5-tris(azidomethyl)benzene and Boc-protected N-propynyl-[12]aneN3/7-propynyloxycoumarins. Agarose gel electrophoresis experiments indicated that bifunctional molecules 4b and 5b effectively induced complete plasmid DNA condensation at concentrations up to 40 µM. It was found that the structural variation had a major impact on the condensation behavior of these compounds. The electrostatic interaction involving the [12]aneN3 moiety can be compensated by the binding contribution of the coumarin units during the DNA condensation process. These two types of interaction showed different effects on the reversibility of DNA condensation. Results from studies using dynamic laser scattering, atomic force microscopy, and EB replacement assay further supported the above conclusion. Cytotoxicity assays on bifunctional compounds 4a/b and 5a/b indicated their low cytotoxicity. Results from cellular uptake and cell transfection experiments proved that bifunctional compounds 4b and 5b successfully served as non-viral gene vectors. Furthermore, methyl substituents attached to the coumarin unit (4b and 5b) greatly enhanced their DNA condensation capability and gene transfection. These bifunctional molecules, with the advantages of lower cytotoxicity, good water solubility, and potential structural modification, will have great potential for the development of new non-viral gene delivery agents.

[Chemical constituents from whole plants of Valeriana hardwickii].

Chemical investigation of the whole plants of Valeriana hardwickii has led to the isolation of 11 flavones and 2 monoterpe- noids by using various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, preparative TLC, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic data analysis as syzalterin (1), 6-methylapigenin (2), 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (3), genkwanin (4), acacetin (5), apigenin (6), quercetin (7), tricin (8), (-)-farrerol (9), sosakuranetin (10), 5,3',4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone (11), (-)-bornyl ferulate ( 12) , and (-)-bornyl caffeate ( 13). All compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time, while compounds 1, 9-13 were obtained from this genus for the first time.

[Discussion about risk and management of Chinese patent medicine with double identity].

Chinese patent medicine with double identity was a special phenomenon, and many preparations not only were prescription drugs but also over the counter ( OTC) drugs, which brought a lot of trouble. Based on statistics of list of OTC medicines of CFDA, related varieties, route of administration and functions of these drugs were searched. The causes of insufficient were analyzed and the potential risk was investigated. To ensure the safety of drug usage for the patient, risk management system should be set up by improving the technical requirements for registration, improving the drug labels and manuals, playing the role of pharmacists in pharmacy services and raising awareness of doctor and patient for these drugs.

[Study on intestinal absorption of ingredients from different compatibilities of Shaoyao Gancao decoction].

To study the compatible mechanisms and compatible proportion of Shaoyao Gancao decoction, the intestinal absorption of main ingredients in Shaoyao Gancao decoction SG11 (Baishao-Zhigancao 1: 1) , SG31 (Baishao-Zhigancao 3: 1), Baishao water decoction S and Zhigancao (G) were investigated and compared using in vitro everted intestinal sac model and in situ single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model. The concentration of paeoniflorin (PF), liquiritin (LQ) and mono-ammonium glycyrrhizinate (GL) in test samples and samples of intestinal sac and intestinal perfusion was determined by HPLC. The intestinal absorptive amount and absorption parameters were calculated. Results showed that in the everted intestinal sac model, three ingredients could be absorbed by duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and the absorption in the jejunum was best for all 3 ingredients. The absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 was significantly higher than that in single decoction (P < 0.05), but had no significant difference compared with SG31. In SPIP model, the absorption rate constant K(a), the apparent absorption coefficient P(app) and the absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 were significantly higher than those in single decoction. Parameters of PF and GL in SG11 were significantly higher than those in SG31, but had no differences of LQ. It proved that the compatibility of Baishao and Zhigancao could improve the intestinal absorption of PF, LQ and GL. The absorption of each ingredient in SG11 was better than that in SG31.

[Microanalysis study of the inspirable nano-particles into lungs by SEM and XREDS].

Inspirable nano-particles into lungs in the atmosphere were studied in this paper. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer were used to investigate the morphology and major constituents of inspirable nano-particles into lungs systematically. The results showed that most of the inspirable nano-particles in the atmosphere are spherical and ellipsoidal, with smooth surface and dense structure. The smaller nano-particles are clustered into loose floccule, with the sizes in the range of 30 to 100 nm. The constant elements in the nano-particles are close consistent with the large particle pollutants, which mainly contain C, O, Al, Si, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, S and Cl etc. The point Analysis of EDS confirmed that the element content of Cl and S in some nano-particles is significantly increased, while others mainly contain C and O. It is believed that the surface of nano inorganic dust particles was adsorbed by the organic pollutants to form the core-shell structure nano-particles pollutants in the process of aerosol formation. Thus, reducing anthropogenic emissions of organic pollutants has great influence on the formation of inspirable nano-particles.

[Study on sustainable development of industy of ethnic medicine in minority area].

Ethnic medicine industry is facing many problems such as narrow market, exhaustion of resource, decline of ethnic medicine and no qualified successors. Sustainable development theory was utilized to analyse the elements and problems of ethnic medicine industry, and the counter measures were put forward to get rid of the predicament and to realize the sustainable development which depends on the ethnic medicine resources, national medicine, industrial policy, personnel training and modern technology. The development issues of ethnic medicine industry can be solved by the coordination of enterprise, government and public. Finally the ethnic medicine can provide better services for society.

[Effect of Nutrient Solution in Soilless Cultivation on Growth, Antioxidase Activities and Amino Acid Contents of Nervilia fordii].

OBJECTIVE: To select the best formula for soilless cultivation of Nervilia fordii. METHODS: Four different formulas of nutrient solution on growth,antioxidase activities and amino acid contents were investigated. RESULTS: The concentration of 1/2 lettuce nutrient solution formula was the most propitious for the growth of Nervilia fordii, the antioxidase activities and amino acid contents were increased in the treatment of nutrient solution,and the highest amino acid content was observed in 1/2 dose of green leafy vegetables nutrient solution formula. CONCLUSION: The concentration of 1/2 lettuce nutrient solution formula is the optimal solution for growth of Nervilia fordii, the results of this study provides academic and technological basis for soilless cultivation of Nervilia fordii.

Hydrophobic evaporable fullerene indanone ketone with low sublimation temperature and amorphous morphology for inverted perovskite solar cells.

A hydrophobic evaporable indano[60] fullerene ketone with low sublimation temperature (CF3-FIDO) was successfully synthesized, providing the fullerene mono-adduct derivative with the lowest sublimation temperature reported to date. The amorphous characteristic of the evaporated film was confirmed by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Perovskite solar cells using CF3-FIDO as the electron transport layer (ETL) achieved long-term device stability retaining 60% of their initial PCE after 500 h in air.

An injectable collagen peptide-based hydrogel with desirable antibacterial, self-healing and wound-healing properties based on multiple-dynamic crosslinking.

Conventional collagen-based hydrogels as wound dressing materials are usually lack of antibacterial activity and easily broken when encountering external forces. In this work, we developed a collagen peptide-based hydrogel as a wound dressing, which was composed of adipic acid dihydrazide functionalized collagen peptide (Col-ADH), oxidized dextran (ODex), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and borax via multiple-dynamic reversible bonds (acylhydrazone, amine, borate ester and hydrogen bonds). The injectable hydrogel exhibited satisfactory self-healing ability, antibacterial activity, mechanical strength, as well as good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In vivo experiments demonstrated the rapid hemostasis, accelerated cell migration, and promoted wound healing capacities of the hydrogel. These results indicate that the multifunctional collagen peptide-based hydrogel has great potentials in the field of wound dressings.

Compatible solutes contribute to heat resistance and ribosome stability in Escherichia coli AW1.7.

This study investigated the mechanisms of heat resistance in Escherichia coli AW1.7 by quantification of cytoplasmic solutes, determination of ribosome denaturation, and by determination of protein denaturation. To assess the contribution of heat shock proteins and compatible solutes, experiments were conducted after exposure to sublethal heat shock, and with cultures grown at NaCl concentrations ranging from 0 to 6%. Heat resistance of E. coli AW1.7 was compared to the heat sensitive E. coli GGG10 and a plasmid-cured, heat sensitive derivative of E. coli AW1.7 named E. coli AW1.7ΔpHR1. Sublethal heat shock improved survival at 60°C of E. coli GGG10 and AW1.7ΔpHR1 but not of E. coli AW1.7. Addition of NaCl increased the heat resistance of all three strains, but only E. coli AW1.7 exhibited high heat resistance when grown in NaCl concentrations ranging from 2 to 6%. E. coli AW1.7 and GGG10 accumulated 16.1 ± 0.8 and 8.8 ± 0.8mmolL⁻¹ amino acids when grown at 0% NaCl, and 1.47 ± 0.07 and 0.78 ± 0.06mmolL⁻¹ carbohydrates when grown at 6% NaCl, respectively. Ribosome denaturation was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. After growth in the presence of 0% NaCl, the 30S subunit denatured at 63.7 ± 0.8°C and 60.7 ± 0.3°C in E. coli AW1.7 and GGG10, respectively. Fourier-transformed-infrared-spectroscopy did not indicate differences in protein denaturation between the strains during heating. In conclusion, heat resistance in E. coli AW1.7 correlates to ribosome stability at 60°C and is dependent on accumulation of cytoplasmic solutes.

The dominant roles of ICAM-1-encoding gene in DNA vaccination against Japanese encephalitis virus are the activation of dendritic cells and enhancement of cellular immunity.

We investigated the cellular immune responses elicited by a plasmid DNA vaccine encoding prM-E protein from the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus (JEV) with or without various forms of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 gene to maximize the immune responses evoked by the JE DNA vaccine. We observed that co-immunization with the construct containing murine ICAM-1 gene (pICAM-1) resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of CD4(+)T cells, high level of JEV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response, and high production of T helper 1 (Th1)-type cytokines in splenic T cells. Furthermore, the co-expression of ICAM-1 and DNA immunogens was found to be more effective in generating T cell-mediated immune responses than those induced by immunization with pJME in combination with pICAM-1. Our results suggested that ICAM-1 enhanced T cell receptor signaling and activated Th1 immune responses in the JEV model system by increasing the induction of CD4(+)Th1 cell subset and activating dendritic cells.

Effect of molecular crowding on the temperature-pressure stability diagram of ribonuclease A.

FT-IR spectroscopic and thermodynamic measurements were designed to explore the effect of a macromolecular crowder, dextran, on the temperature and pressure-dependent phase diagram of the protein Ribonuclease A (RNase A), and we compare the experimental data with approximate theoretical predictions based on configuration entropy. Exploring the crowding effect on the pressure-induced unfolding of proteins provides insight in protein stability and folding under cell-like dense conditions, since pressure is a fundamental thermodynamic variable linked to molecular volume. Moreover, these studies are of relevance for understanding protein stability in deep-sea organisms, which have to cope with pressures in the kbar range. We found that not only temperature-induced equilibrium unfolding of RNase A, but also unfolding induced by pressure is markedly prohibited in the crowded dextran solutions, suggesting that crowded environments such as those found intracellularly, will also oppress high-pressure protein unfolding. The FT-IR spectroscopic measurements revealed a marked increase in unfolding pressure of 2 kbar in the presence of 30 wt % dextran. Whereas the structural changes upon thermal unfolding of the protein are not significantly influenced in the presence of the crowding agent, through stabilization by dextran the pressure-unfolded state of the protein retains more ordered secondary structure elements, which seems to be a manifestation of the entropic destabilization of the unfolded state by crowding.

Identification of a novel partner gene, TPR, fused to FGFR1 in 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome.

The 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS) is an aggressive neoplasm caused by the fusion of various partner genes to fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). Various FGFR1 fusions are associated with subtly distinct disease phenotypes. Here, we report a new translocation at the FGFR1 locus in a patient who carried t(1;8)(q25;p11.2) and presented with myeloproliferative neoplasm-like symptoms. The patient was characterized by myeloid hyperplasia of bone marrow, markedly elevated numbers of monocytes, and normal to mildly elevated eosinophils. Initial fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis confirmed that FGFR1 in this patient was disrupted. Subsequent analysis led to the identification of a novel translocation, in which exon 23 of the translocated promoter region (TPR) gene at chromosome band 1q25 was fused to exon 13 of FGFR1 (RefSeq NM_0231102.2). The TPR portion of the fusion protein contains putative functional motifs including an N-terminal TprMet domain, nuclear pore complexes associating domain, and multiple coiled-coil domains. It is likely that one or more of the motifs from TPR contribute to dimerization, resulting in constitutive activation of the FGFR1 kinase domain. Our results further support a critical role of FGFR1 in the pathogenesis of EMS and may lead to more accurate diagnosis and potential targeted therapy.

Ratio fluorescence test strip visualized by amino-functionalized metal-organic framework for rapid sensing of glyphosate.

As glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide extensively used in agriculture worldwide, rapid glyphosate detection is essential for food safety and human health. Herein, a ratio fluorescence test strip was prepared and coupled with an amino-functionalized bismuth-based metal-organic framework (NH2-Bi-MOF) that bonded with copper ion for rapid visualization and determination of glyphosate. NH2-Bi-MOF had excellent fluorescence performance, and the copper ion, a Lewis acid, was selected as the quencher. The strong chelation of glyphosate with copper ion and its quick interaction with NH2-Bi-MOF would turn on the fluorescence signal, thus enabling the quantitative sensing of glyphosate, with a linear range of 0.10-200 µmol L-1, and recoveries between 94.8% and 113.5%. The system was then expanded to a ratio fluorescence test strip, in which the fluorescent ring sticker was set as a binding-in self-calibration to reduce errors from the angle and light dependency. The method realized the visual semi-quantitation referring to a standard card, as well as the ratio quantitation using the gray value output with LOD of 0.82 µmol L-1. And the as-developed test strip was accessible, portable, and reliable, thus offering a platform for the rapid on-site detection of glyphosate and other residual pesticides.